Delhi rape: cops may challenge order on minor

The Delhi Police are exploring all options to ensure that the youngest and the most brutal of the six accused - declared a minor on Monday - gets maximum punishment for his role in the Delhi gang rape and murder case, said sources.

"We will try everything that the law permits us to do so that the juvenile accused gets the punishment that he deserves, irrespective of his age," said a senior officer on condition of anonymity.

Getting the order overturned is one such option.

On Monday, a juvenile justice board accepted his school certificate as a proof of age and declared the boy to be a minor. He is five months shy of 18.

If found guilty, he will get away with three years in a reform home. The other five accused face a possible death penalty.

"If a couple of months that keep him from the age of 18 can be a reason for a lighter punishment, why can't some provisions in the law be overlooked given the severity and brutality of the crime," the officer asked.

Apart from the government-appointed public prosecutor, the police were consulting several legal experts, said sources.

The order has evoked strong reactions.

The victim's father, who is planning to challenge move court, said all accused should be hanged. While the board ruled out bone test to determine the boy's age, the demand for ossification test is growing.

"We are yet to get a copy of the order and will be in a position to legally challenge it only when we have studied it in depth," said a senior officer on condition of anonymity.